The City has received an application for a Final Plat for Tara Forest East Phase 1 which proposes the subdivision of the ±10.86 acre subject property into a total of 32 lots, with associated right-of-way and common areas.
Section 6.2.1(D)(1) of the City’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs) requires new trees to be installed to replace healthy regulated trees, and requires regulated trees to be replaced on a one-for-one basis, and for heritage and champion trees to be replaced on an inch-for-inch basis. A regulated tree is defined in Article 10 of the LDRs as "any living tree which is ten inches or more in diameter or two feet in circumference, whichever dimension is lesser, measured at a point 4½ feet above ground level. This definition shall not include any species of pine tree or nuisance tree regardless of size..." Heritage trees are defined in Article 10 of the LDRs as "trees with a diameter of at least 30 inches or seven feet, ten inches in circumference, whichever dimension is lesser, measured at a point 4½ feet above ground level..."
When required tree replacement cannot be accommodated through on-site mitigation, Section 6.2.1(D)(7) of the City’s LDRs allows for off-site mitigation. Off-site mitigation trees may be planted in City-owned properties and parks, City rights-of-way, preservation or conservation areas owned by the City, and within medians and rights-of-way of State and County roads where an interlocal agreement authorizes such plantings. The formula for the calculation of off-site mitigation is provided within Section 6.2.1(D)(7)(c) of the City’s LDRs, and is equal to the cost of the replacement tree, plus installation (including labor and equipment), plus maintenance for one year, plus fund administration. Section 6.2.1(D)(7)(c) requires the fee for off-site mitigation to be adopted by the City Commission through resolution.
The number of trees proposed for removal would require 258 additional replacement trees to be planted to mitigate for trees to be removed. The applicant has requested the City consider off-site mitigation in accordance with Section 6.2.1(D)(7) of the LDRs for the remainder of the required replacement trees.
The required payment for off-site mitigation shall be $46,097.48, which has been provided to the City.